Fourth seed Alexandr Dolgopolov crashed out of the 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open on Thursday, falling to world number 97 Yoshihito Nishioka in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. The heat and humidity was evident in Dolgopolov’s game, as the former Australian Open quarterfinalist looked sluggish at times.
This was Dolgopolov’s second appearance in Atlanta, and he was seeking his first-ever victory in the capital of Georgia. He leaves the tournament still searching for that first victory in Atlanta. Nishioka earns his second-ever victory in Atlanta, with his first victory coming earlier this tournament over Dan Evans.
Nishioka steals first set with clean play
Coming into this contest, Dolgopolov was an overwhelming favorite, considering his better ranking and overall experience advantage. It was clear that Dolgopolov had the potential to overpower the Japanese number two.
However, the Ukrainian number one hit too many errors for his liking throughout the opening set. Nishioka broke in the fifth game to go up three games to two before consolidating the break for a 4-2 advantage. Nishioka continued to play efficient tennis while Dolgopolov made errors. The world number 97 sealed the set as the Ukrainian number one's forehand landed wide.
The heat was an obvious factor throughout the opening set. Temperatures reached the low 90's, which means the on-court temperature was much higher. Dolgopolov looked winded by the end of the first set, and he looked to be in jeopardy in the match.
Dolgopolov turns the tides and takes second set to level match
Following the break after the conclusion of the first set, something changed for Dolgopolov. Perhaps the extra-long break helped restart his game. The Ukrainian broke immediately to open the second set before consolidating for a 2-0 lead.
The world number 38 had more chances to break in the third game yet was unsuccessful. The 2016 Acapulco semifinalist did not let his next chance go to waste, as he broke for a 4-1 advantage. As all momentum was on his side, Mother Nature decided to make her stand in the match.
Just before the seventh game, a few rain drops began to fall, and the players remained on court to wait it out. Luckily for them, the rain quickly subsided, and play resumed after a brief nine-minute delay. Soon after play resumed, Dolgopolov took the set six games to one on his third set point opportunity.
Nishioka completes the upset to earn second-ever Atlanta victory
The match was headed to a decider, and Dolgopolov looked rejuvenated and ready to go. Both players held their opening games to open the match. However, Dolgopolov fell back into his error-prone ways. Nishioka broke Dolgopolov in the third game to go up 3-1 before consolidating for a 4-1 lead.
After a successful second set, Dolgopolov’s energy-level dropped off significantly. The Japanese number two then broke again to go up 5-1. After one hour and 34 minutes in the brutal heat, Nishioka sealed the upset on his serve, as Dolgopolov hit his return of serve into the net.
With the upset victory, Nishioka advances to his first-career BB&T Atlanta Open quarterfinals. The 20-year-old will face Horacio Zeballos of Argentina, who defeated lucky-loser Tobias Kamke of Germany, 6-1, 6-4 earlier in the day on the AJC Grandstand Court.